Centrelink Benefits and Childcare

Financial Support

There are variances in the financial support allowances that families may be eligible for. These will depend on the personal circumstances of the individual or family, and the medical condition of the family member the claim is related to.

Congenital heart disease is not currently recognised as a disability for carers payment, however, organ failure and some syndromes are on the recognised list. HeartKids is working hard to advocate for family's needs and lobby government to improve the financial support provided to families impacted by congenital heart disease.

Application for these payments will need to be supported by a medical practitioner.

Bereavement Pay
can be claimed if you experience a death of your partner / child /
person you are caring for. It is to assist with the financial changes
that may affect you as a result of the bereavement. It will be
determined by individual circumstances.

Please also see our Heart Angels page for information on how our Support Team can help you in the event of a bereavement. Or call our HeartKids Helpline on 1800 432 785 to be pointed in the right direction for specialised support services in your area.

Special Child Care Benefit SCCB

Special Child Care Benefit
(SCCB) is provided by the Australian Government, and administered under
the family assistance law. It is not subject to parental income tests.
SCCB is available to support families with child care costs when they
are experiencing a ‘hardship event that impacts significantly on their
ability to pay child care costs’.

This can be due to ‘significant income reduction or increased
expenditure or need for hours/increased hours of care arising from the
event’.

Approved child care services are able to approve up to 13 weeks per
financial year for a child using their care. If a longer period of SCCB
is required, the child care facility can apply to the Department of
Human Services for consideration of further assistance for the family.

Child Care for siblings during hospital admission (updated May 2018)

If you require child care for your other children when your heart child is receiving treatment in hospital, HeartKids suggests that you speak with the social worker, attached to your cardiac unit.
The social worker will be able to provide information regarding eligibility and options.
Alternatively, please speak to your local HeartKids Support Manager, they will assist with the best person to speak to at your hospital or provide you with useful information regarding child care options.

And remember, you can always ring the HeartKids Helpline on 1800 432 785

Emergency child care spots

Some child care facilities hold ‘emergency spaces’ for children in their
care. These are available for extreme emergency situations where
urgent childcare is needed. These are not available in all centres and
families must seek further information from the director of their child
care centre.